Philippe Halsman's Jump Book

New York: Simon & Schuster. Good in Good dust jacket. 1959. First Edition. Original Quarter Cloth. With title vignette & illustrations. Covers somewhat worn & somewhat waterstained. Dustjacket in plastic protective cover. Dustjacket worn, chipped & soiled with large tear in top margin front cover & slight loss at top and bottom of spine. Also somewhat foxed on inside dustjacket. ; "Philippe Halsman's Jump Book" showcases a unique and playful project by the celebrated photographer Philippe Halsman, known for his exceptional portrait photography. Published in 1959, this collection features Halsman's inventive concept of photographing famous figures in the midst of a jump, capturing their airborne moments against a stark background. The book includes over a hundred photographs of celebrities, politicians, and artists, such as Marilyn Monroe, Richard Nixon, and Salvador Dalí, each depicted in the unexpected levity of a jump. Halsman believed that when his subjects jumped, they dropped their public personas, revealing a more genuine, unguarded self. Accompanied by Halsman’s witty commentary and observations, the book is not only a photographic novelty but also a fascinating glimpse into the personalities of some of the 20th century's most iconic figures. "Philippe Halsman's Jump Book" was a notable part of Chris Steele-Perkins’ photography book collection. As a distinguished member of Magnum Photos, Steele-Perkins had an enduring interest in both the form and substance of photography that challenged traditional perspectives. His collection emphasized works that captured spontaneous, revealing moments of human character and emotion, aligning with Halsman’s philosophy in "Jump Book." Steele-Perkins’ work at Magnum often explored deeper narratives within the human condition, whether through his examinations of British society or his international projects. Owning "Jump Book" reflected his appreciation for photography that combines technical skill with a profound capacity to communicate more than just a visual message, resonating with his own aims to reveal underlying stories and truths within his subjects. ; 28 x 22 x 1.5 cms; 94 pages .